India and Russia’s friendship goes back to the times of the cold war when both the countries signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in August 1971. This treaty meant strategic and cultural exchanges between both countries. India and Russia have been long time friends and have even helped each other out during times of crisis. However, Russia has helped us in ways we cannot thank enough.
While Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine is condemnable, India would not condemn Russia. India has repeatedly stated that both countries ought to have peaceful dialogues and even show maximum restraint. While the world condemned and started preparing to sanction Russia, India did not join them for one simple reason- Russia is India’s longtime friend.
During the Indo-Pakistan of 1971, it was the Soviet Union who sent a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in response to United States’ navy in the region. Moreover, the Soviet Union put pressure on Pakistan to cease the war with India and accept defeat. Without Soviet Union’s help, it would have been nearly impossible for us to win the war.
India would not meddle in Russian affairs simply because Russia has never meddled in India’s internal affairs.
Various issues such as the Kashmir issue or the anti-CAA protest, Russia has not been involved in such matters.
India purchases vast quantities of military hardware from Russia and even collaborates with them in the fields of science and technology.
India and Russia have been hosting bilateral meetings since 2000 and have been signing extensive treaties to show support to each other and even help each other grow. Russia is one of the largest trading partners of India and it is one of the largest markets for Indian goods (nearly $2 billion worth). No doubt India will not outrightly condemn Russia but rather will have a neutral stand on the issue.
India’s stand on the issue in the UNSC:
India’s Permanent Representative @AmbTSTirumurti speaks at the #UNSC Emergency Meeting on #Ukraine ⤵️
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 24, 2022
